City offers some lenience for temporary signs

While the Jefferson City Council chose not to extend its emergency declarations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses still have options if they want to keep up COVID-19-related signs.

Council members did not extend the emergency declaration at Monday's meeting after having it in place since March 2020. It was one of six declarations made in an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 - others were added throughout 2020 - and one of two extended in May. The other allowed city boards to conduct virtual or hybrid meetings.

The topic did not appear on Monday's council agenda, and members did not discuss it.

The declaration allowed businesses an additional 64 square feet of temporary signage and didn't limit the types of signs, City Building Official Matthew Kreyling said.

However, the declaration expired Monday, and the code returned to what it was before the pandemic.

Kreyling told the News Tribune he hasn't had many questions from businesses but is trying to get information out.

If businesses want to continue posting signs about social distancing or mask requirements, a permit likely isn't needed. Those signs are typically on or next to the door.

Window signs can be 50 square feet or half the window, whichever is greater, without needing a permit, Kreyling said.

However, for businesses that installed signs not attached to the building itself, such as directions to pickup-only spaces, would need go through the permitting process to make those permanent.

"We want people to know there are ways to do it, just not the same as under the declaration," Kreyling said.

Applications for permits are available on the city's website, www.jeffersoncitymo.gov.